Montevideo mechanism established to deal with Venezuelan crisis

A mechanism has been devised to address the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Venezuela.

Caricom leaders, including prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley, along with the governments of Uruguay and Mexico have established the Montevideo mechanism.

It was the major outcome of a meeting in Uruguay this morning where countries and organisations who've taken a non-interventionist approach to the crisis gathered to discuss the way forward.

A statement from the office of the prime minister says the countries involved agree that the complexity of the situation in Venezuela should not be a reason to avoid diplomatic channels for dispute settlement.

They maintain that tensions can be reduced between political forces through dialogue. A four-phase process has been established and once Venezuelan leaders agree, skilled negotiators have been selected to carry out the process.

Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, but Caricom will not participate in that discussion. Dr. Rowley will return home on Friday evening.